Ginkgo Biloba Morpho-Biological Features and Healing Properties

Abstract

The paper examines the morpho-biological features and medicinal properties of Ginkgo biloba.

   Observation of the introduced plant reveal, Ginkgo biloba which is growing in Zugdidi Botanical Garden in Sector I N36 and N41, has a height of 35-40 meters, diameter 80-90 cm, stem projection 10X11m, 12X14m, age 133 years, looks healthy, has a normally developed beautiful stem, fan-shaped leaves, dichotomous veins and straight, mossy trunk.

   In 2022, flowering began on April 12 and ended on April 28. Fruit ripening began on August 27 and ended on September 29, while the shedding of leaves started on September 25 and ended on October 5. The specimens are characterized by abundant seed fertility. They give self-seeding, which are mostly found under the stem of the mother plant. Their germination begins in the first decade of March (???). The seeds are covered with a thick skin.

 In 1930, V. Mirzashvili (1934) determined their age in Zugdidi Botanical Garden as 40-50 years, thus sometime between 1880-1890 can be considered as the date of their introduction.

There are various medicinal uses and beneficial properties of Gingko biloba, including: an antioxidant effect that affects the blood vessels of the brain and its extract is known as a natural brain stimulant. Furthermore, Gingko biloba normalizes metabolic processes, which improves the quality of life and as one gets older, it plays an important role against stress and depression. It is also used to improve blood vessels, speech, memory and hearing, while its extract significantly improves long-distance vision and can reverse retinal damage.

Observation  of Ginkgo biloba introduced in Zugdidi Botanical Garden has proved to be a very valuable decorative tree. Its original leaf shape, which is light green in spring and summer,  yellow and reddish in autumn, gives more beauty to the ornamental plant. It can be widely used for greening parks,  residential areas, and most importantly, it has significant medicinal uses.